Pollock keeps options open as Saints talks continue
By Aidanb September 15 2026
This isn't directly related to us - but some rumours suggest we have an interest
Henry Pollock continues to play hardball in his negotiations over a Northampton Saints contract extension, insisting he is still open to offers from elsewhere, including overseas, and that he remains determined to be "quite selfish" over his future.
"I think for me, you almost have to be quite selfish in that aspect, think what's right for you. If that is staying here, then that's great, I'll be here for however long. If it's not, then I'll be open to new opportunities."
Salary cap rules, which prevent players moving between Prem clubs from being designated as 'marquee' players whose pay is exempt from a £6.4m squad limit, make a big-money move to one of Saints' domestic rivals difficult.
Sadly that mentality is more the norm than the exception in the generation to have entered employment around or since Covid.
I think it's the way things were going anyway, but I think Covid emphasised to them at a young age that when it comes to employment they should look after themselves.
It doesn't come across well to older generations, and it's sad to see in rugby union.
I actually don't mind. I think it's going to get people talking about the value of rugby players and might also drum up more investment. If you ask kids what they want to be when they're older, they often always say footballer. Yes, they enjoy football, but they see the millions that professionals earn, and that enhances the desire and pursuit of being more involved in football. I think rugby needs a bit of that stardust, glamour and fame to keep up with other professional sports now. I'd say even the professional athletes like Hodgkinson, Duplantis etc. are more high-profile and valuable than any rugby player is.
I get the fact rugby is a short career, I get the fact they need to look after themselves..... up to a point. He, allegedly, has been offered £400k, plus £150k England fees, plus £XXXk endorsements etc - that's a decent amount. But it is a team sport, with, currently, a limited pot - silly money (relative to other team mates) creates divisions. Hodgkinson & Duplantis etc are competing as individuals so is a bit different..... IMHO!
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